For better or worse, Tiki bars in San Francisco are big business, and they’re not going anywhere. In fact, some occupy prime real estate and are backed by some pretty weighty credentials, while others date all the way back to the ’40s. Whichever side of the bamboo fence one stands on when it comes to this one-of-a-kind theme, here are some of the most popular San Francisco bars that swear by it.

Pagan Idol

Oddly upmarket for a Tiki bar, but still unmistakably of the ilk, is Pagan Idol in FiDi, the brainchild of the team behind such celebrated and sophisticated bars as Bourbon & Branch, Rickhouse and Devil’s Acre. Seemingly always busy, this bar is split between a ship-themed “Captain’s Quarters” room (complete with LED screen “windows” showing a fish-filled ocean scene) and the more familiar territory of a Tiki fantasy island room (complete with a steaming volcano). If the Financial District seems an odd place to open a Tiki bar, the rationale behind this one was simple: one can get a great cocktail anywhere in San Francisco, but not everywhere can one have this much fun.

The Tonga Room

The Tonga Room is the original and (at least arguably) the best when it comes to Tiki bars in this city. It was founded at the Fairmont Hotel in 1945, just one month after VJ Day. And over the years since then, it has somehow failed to keep up with the times, retaining a quirky throwback feel. The tropical “lagoon” pool, in the middle of which a live band plays and around which the cabana-style seating is arranged, was originally envisioned by a Metro-Goldwyn Mayer set designer. By far the strangest (and therefore most popular) feature of the Tonga Room, though, is the hurricane and thunderstorm, complete with indoor rain, that occurs on a periodic basis.

Smuggler’s Cove

Those who like rum tend to feel right at home at Smuggler’s Cove, an award-winning Tiki bar in Hayes Valley. Set across three levels, each gloriously decked out with Tiki tat, this bar boasts a whopping collection of 500 rums, actual waterfalls and plenty of pirate gear to boot.

Tiki Haven

By contrast with the others on this list, Tiki Haven in Outer Sunset is more of a neighborhood bar, with extra-friendly staff, a jukebox, bar games and cheap but powerful drinks. In fact, it’s such a neighborhood bar that many patrons come in for beer instead of cocktails (even at a Tiki bar). Despite all this, though, it’s excellently decorated with all the trimmings and a choice of themed drinks for those who actually ask for them. Highlights include the Bora Bora (tequila, midori, peach and passion fruit) and the Fire Bowl (a strong and simple punch of rum, vodka, gin and a choice of fruit juice).